Mark Magsayo eyes “second prime” at lightweight as he chases Zuffa Boxing’s top spot

When Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo talks about his future inside the Zuffa Boxing ring, it isn’t just about opponents or rankings—it starts with a feeling.

The Filipino former world champion wants something with the same energy as Randy Orton’s iconic wrestling theme, “Voices” by Rev Theory, a walkout that reflects intensity, identity, and a career reset built on momentum rather than nostalgia.

That sense of reinvention is now the core of Magsayo’s journey. After a convincing Zuffa Boxing debut win over “Fearless” Feargal McCrory earlier this month, the 30-year-old believes the biggest change in his performance isn’t tactical—it’s physical freedom. Moving up to lightweight has, in his words, removed the drain that once defined his preparation.

“When I was fighting at 126 [pounds], in training and sparring, I was strong. But when it came to fighting, my power faded because I was on a diet and dehydrated,” Magsayo said.

For years, Magsayo operated in a weight class where discipline often meant sacrifice. Now, he feels the opposite effect—strength carrying through from camp to fight night instead of fading at the final bell.

His arrival in Zuffa Boxing also marks a structural shift in his career. After being announced as one of the promotion’s key signings, Magsayo chose to start fresh under a system he believes offers something traditional boxing does not: clarity.

He had been in discussions with the organization as early as 2025, but contractual obligations delayed the move.

“Since 2025, I already got offers from Zuffa when Zuffa 1 hasn’t started yet. But I was still under contract with PBC so we refused. Before my contract expired, we were given a fight in October, but it was canceled,” the 30-year-old boxer said.

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What ultimately pulled him in wasn’t just opportunity—it was structure. Unlike boxing’s fragmented championship landscape across multiple sanctioning bodies, Magsayo is drawn to the idea of a single ladder where progress is unmistakable.

For him, it resembles the MMA model more than traditional boxing politics.

“The difference is, there’s only one ranking. For example, I’m fighting at 135 pounds. There’s only one ranking. There’s only one world champion, just like in the UFC,” Magsayo explained.

That clarity has reshaped his goals. Instead of chasing multiple belts across different organizations, he now wants to climb one system and reach the top of it.

Even though official lightweight rankings in Zuffa Boxing have yet to be fully established, Magsayo is already thinking in terms of positioning himself as the division’s early standard-bearer.

“I want to fight at least three fights this year. I want to win. The 135-pound rankings haven’t started yet. When they do, I want to be at the top,” he said.

It’s an ambitious pace for any fighter, especially one adjusting to a new weight class and new promotional environment. But Magsayo insists his conditioning now supports the schedule he’s envisioning.

“I can do it. I’ve prepared for my fights this year. At least three fights. Maybe in August and then in December,” Magsayo said.

If he follows through, 2026 could represent more than just a comeback year—it could define the second phase of his career entirely, built on activity, structure, and a belief that his best version is still ahead rather than behind.

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